I am contacting you to let you know that on 13 September 2024, officials on behalf of the Secretary of State placed a Holding Direction on the above application under Article 31 powers of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.
The Secretary of State has directed South Downs National Park Authority not to grant permission on this application without specific authorisation. This has been issued to allow sufficient time for her to give full consideration to matters raised in requests to call in the application as well as all other relevant matters. The issuing of a Holding Direction should not be taken as an indication as to whether an application will be called in or not.
The matter is currently under consideration, and I will be in touch with an update in due course.
The FoL has been contacted by Civic Voice and invited to participate in a survey concerning the NPPF.
Dear Diana,
In the wake of the King’s Speech and recent headlines about the new Government’s planning reforms a widespread debate has emerged.
Given the extensive feedback we’ve received, Civic Voice is conducting a crucial survey to gather insights from civic societies and communities across England. Input from groups such as The Friends of Lewes is essential as we evaluate your familiarity with these reforms and your potential thoughts on their potential impact on towns, villages, and cities across the UK. The findings will be shared with the new Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycock MP.
Key Survey Questions include: Do you believe these planning reforms will effectively “get Britain building again” and deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2029? Do you perceive a housing crisis in the UK? Please explain your thinking. How would new homes and housing benefit your local area? How can we ensure that civic societies are seen as part of the solution to local issues, rather than as a NIMBY movement? How can we challenge this perception? Would you be interested in attending further discussions to help shape Civic Voice’s response to the National Planning Policy Framework consultation This survey marks the first phase of Civic Voice’s initiative to support communities. We will be organising further briefings, webinars, and dedicated events to foster continued engagement and provide updates. Civic Voice members should keep in touch with Civic Voice and check our dedicated emails for information.
Why Your Response Matters We need as many civic organisations to respond as possible, as we will be using the information to inform our work with the APPG for Civic Societies. Your feedback is vital in shaping public sentiment and guiding ongoing discussions about these crucial reforms. We will be writing with more information on how you can help the APPG soon. Additionally, we encourage civic societies and community groups to discuss these issues locally to widen engagement on the proposals.
If you require any further information about the proposals, please do get in touch.
Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on5 June 2024
Week 30 April to 03 June 2024
SDNP/24/01839/HOUS: 25 Gundreda Road: Hip to gable roof extension, Erection of a rear dormer and addition of 2no. front rooflights.
The Friends of Lewes object to the principle of losing both hips to the existing roof and its replacement with two smaller gables effectively raising the height of the existing ridge, as it is considered to be visually detrimental to the street scene. In addition, the design of the large rear box dormer does not comply with the agreed ‘Design Principles’ for dormers in existing roofs.
SDNP/24/01863/HOUS: 58 St Pancras Road: Air source heat pump to front.
The Friends of Lewes object to the provision of an air source heat pump to the front of a detached dwelling within the Conservation Area, as the Society considers that this would set a ‘precedent’ for other similar planning applications within the neighbourhood. The Society would also like to comment that the majority of dwellings in the adjacent Grange Road are terraced, and the provision of any air source heat pumps would be expected to be provided to the rear of the properties.
SDNP/24/01806/HOUS: 25 South Way: Single storey side extension.
The Friends of Lewes consider that the appearance of this proposed side extension would be improved if it was set back from the existing front elevation of the main house structure, even if this results in a small reduction in the size of the extension.
SDNP/24/01995/FUL: Builders Yard, Timberyard Lane: Erection of 2no residential dwellings and associated landscaping.
The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal. The Friends of Lewes also objected to a previous proposal in 2023, which was subsequently withdrawn. Whilst this proposal would allow improved distant views through the site from Morris Road, there is still no allowance for any pedestrian link though the site, which the Society previously suggested, in order to improve access to the town centre for local residents. Furthermore, the Society considers that blank façade of the proposed house ‘A’ would be totally inappropriate at the end of Morris Road, due to both its size and contemporary design, lack of suitable detailing and use on non-traditional materials.
SDNP/24/02204/LDE: Garden Street Auction Rooms, Garden Street: Implementation of planning permission SDNP/18/05444/FUL (allowed at Appeal-3256462) for redevelopment of ‘former auction rooms’ into ten residential units comprising two no. two-bed split-level apartments, four no. three-bedroom houses and four no. four-bedroom houses, prior to confirmation of discharge of pre-commencement conditions.
The Friends of Lewes object to this application. The Society objected to the original application, (SDNF/18/05444/FUL), raising a number of concerns regarding the inappropriate design of the proposal with regard to its setting, impact on both the immediate Conservation Area and to longer views of the development site within the wider context.
The Society is also aware of the design constraints associated with the possible development of this site and in particular the 1200cm Storm Drain plus 5metre exclusion zone on either side of the storm drain, which passes across the site, having a particular impact on both “Units 1 and 5”, as indicated on the “Setting Out” site drawing.
Given these constraints, should it be possible to construct the approved design without any modifications, the Society suggests that this application for a “Lawful Development Certificate” may be possible to support.
However, should the approved scheme require any amendments or modifications, the Society would like to suggest that a new planning application may be required.
The Committee examined the following applications and had no observations to make:
SDNP/24/SDNP/24/01910/HOUS & 01911/LIS: 80B High Street./CND: 38 Western Road.
Installation of timber decking and glass balustrade on roof.
SDNP/24/01537/HOUS: 10 Hill Road.
Erection of detached garage to front, Erection of front porch and erection of single storey rear extension.
SDNP/24/01742/LIS: Flat 3, 39-40 High Street.
Internal alterations to layout.
SDNP/24/01652/HOUS: 9-10 Pelham Terrace.
Erection of flat roof rear dormer, addition of 8no.solar panels to rear, installation of 2no. rear patio doors and no.2 front rooflights, replacement of fenestration to all elevations and repainting of front and rear render.
SDNP/24/01999/HOUS & 02000/LIS: 117 High Street.
Extension to rear lightwell, stone and glazed bridge, remove brick piers, extension of iron railing.
SDNP/24/01979/HOUS: 10 Gundreda Road.
Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of a single storey rear extension.
SDNP/24/01692/LIS: 182 High Street.
Creation of new maintenance access hatches, replacement of patent glazing system in east lightwell, replacement of 2no. casement windows in east lightwell and possible replacement of 9no. vertical sash windows.
Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on1 May 2024
Week 04 April to 24 April 2024
SDNP/24/00729/FUL:4 Bear Yard: Partial demolition of existing storage building, conversion ofexisting ground floor and construction of a new first floor with pitched roof to form a self-contained accommodation unit:
The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal for the following reasons:- (1) That the proposal is located within a flood zone close to the River Ouse. (2) The proposal is considered to be both poor design and of mean proportions, offering very cramped areas of accommodation. (3) There is no outdoor amenity space, no readily accessible storage for a bicycle and apparently nowhere to store refuse and recycling bins without leaving them on the public highway. (4) The Society is also concerned about the potential noise from the shared wall with the John Harvey Tavern.
SDNP/24/00843/FUL: Pannetts Building Railway Lane: Extensions and alterations to provide retailuse at ground floor and part of first floor and conversion of other areas to provide 1x 3 bed flat,5x 2 bed flats and 1x duplex flat with external terrace and alteration to the existing roof, (2x unitsto be affordable):
The Friends of Lewes objected to the previous planning application, Ref: SDNP/23/02568/FUL, which was refused. Regrettably, many of the Society’s previous concerns have not been addressed in this revised planning application and consequently the Friends of Lewes object to this application for the following reasons:- (1) Although the Society welcomes the retention of commercial uses on the ground floor and on part of the first floor, there is inadequate storage space for bicycles, rubbish bins and recycling bins for any of the future occupants of the flats. (2) The location of the additional tower structure to accommodate the proposed lift is considered to be too close to the adjacent Vipers Wharf and would have an adverse impact on a number of windows in the north elevation of Vipers Wharf, and should therefore not be supported. (3) As a result, the Society strongly recommends that any lift should be suitably located within the existing structure of the Pannetts building, in order to enable it to provide a service to all floors. (4) The proposed significant increase in height in order to accommodate the new duplex flat on the forth floor is considered to be unacceptable as it would result in a significant change to the profile of The existing building and in addition the roof terrace facing the river would also have an adverse visual impact on the roofline of this east elevation facing the River Ouse.
SDNP/24/00899/FUL: 14 Gundreda Road: Erection of 5 bedroom detached dwelling with newvehicle crossover:
The Friends of Lewes, whilst supporting this application, have some concerns regarding the street view with regard to the proposed ‘blank’ window at first floor and urge the applicant to install a fully glazed window on the elevation fronting the Gundreda Road. In this context, the Society appreciates that this amendment would require minor alteration to the internal layout at first floor but considers that such an amendment would be a significant improvement.
SDNP/24/01127/HOUS: 59 Grange Road: Replacement single storey side/front extension; twostorey extension and single storey first floor front extension with veranda at first floor; alterationsto external cladding; raised terrace to front elevation; extension of access steps to front andaddition of access steps to rear garden; alteration to existing fenestrations at all elevations:
The Friends of Lewes object to this application, as the Society considers this proposal to be disappointing, lacking in detail and as such is regarded as a missed opportunity to convert the existing house into a successful contemporary home. Furthermore, the poor drawings, at a small scale, make it difficult to assess the visual impact of the proposals.
SDNP/24/01435/HOUS: 13 Garden Street: Replacement of all timber windows to front ofProperty:
The Friends of Lewes support the principle of installing double glazed timber windows, but strongly recommend the use of traditional joinery windows to match adjacent properties, rather than the profiles proposed by Anglian windows.
SDNP/24/01301/FUL: Priory School, Mountfield Road: Installation of perimeter security fencing tofront elevation inclusive of 2no automated steel gates and 1no steel pedestrian side access gate:
The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal, as the Society considers both the proposed gates and perimeter fencing to be visually unacceptable. Indeed, the Society questions whether this initiative by the Priory School will result in annoying both local residents and users of the leisure centre and running track, who currently benefit from being able to make use of the school car park outside of school hours and especially at the weekends and during school holidays.
SDNP/24/01498/HOUS: 16 Hawkenbury Way:Rear dormer and addition of window to the side:
The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal as the design of the rear dormer does not comply with the agreed ‘Design Principles’ for dormers in existing roofs.
SDNP/24/01510/HOUS:30 Fitzjohns Road: Erection of replacement rear extension, garageconversion and extension to loft and hip to gable conversions:
The Friends of Lewes object to the principle of losing the existing hipped roof and its replacement with a gable, as it is considered to be visually detrimental in an area dominated by hipped semi-detached houses. In addition, the design of the rear dormer does not comply with the agreed ‘Design Principles’ for dormers in existing roofs.
The Committee examined the following applications and had no observations to make:
SDNP/24/01429/CND: 38 Western Road.
Variation of condition 2 related to Planning Approval SDNP/23/04323/FUL to include amendments to loft such as installation of shower and rear roof light.
SDNP/24/01372/HOUS: 1A Offham Road.
Part section 73A retrospective application for raised rear decking, and application for erection of rear access steps to decking.
SDNP/24/01583/HOUS: 1 Priory Row, Priory Street.
Replace timber front door and surround.
SDNP/24/01362/HOUS & 01363/LIS: 212 High Street.
Reconstruction of existing chimney stack.
SDNP/24/01331/HOUS: 50 Valence Road.
Part single storey part two storey side extension.
Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on3 April 2024
Week 03 March to 01 April 2024
SDNP/24/00307/HOUS: 5 Park Road: Erection of single-storey outbuilding in side garden.
The Friends of Lewes object to the proposed location of this single storey outbuilding because it would be sited close to the Park Road frontage, which is effectively the dwelling’s front garden rather than its side garden. The Society is also concerned about the juxtaposition of the proposed outbuilding with the adjacent mature trees, which should not be adversely impacted.
SDNP/24/00390/HOUS:25 Gundreda Road:Erection of rectangular wooden outbuilding to rear.
The Friends of Lewes are concerned about the size of the proposed outbuilding and would like to emphasise that its use should be solely as an ancillary to the existing house, rather than as a separate dwelling. The Society is also concerned about the juxtaposition of the proposed structure so close to a number of mature trees at the end of the large garden, which should not be adversely impacted.
SDNP/24/00837/HOUS: The White House Cuilfail: Single storey ground floor rear extension withfirst floor terrace, refurbishment of existing rear dormer, installation of external steps to gardenand retaining wall with balustrade to side elevation, addition of paved pathed path to side/rearwith associated landscaping, and alterations to side fenestration including addition of Julietbalcony to first floor.
The Friends of Lewes object to the design of the proposed single storey ground floor rear extension with first floor terrace and the refurbishment of the existing dormer, as the Society considers it to be unsympathetic to the design of the original house. In this context, the Society suggests that the use ‘vertical’ glazing bars in the extension, rather than ‘horizontal’, would be visibly more acceptable. Furthermore, the Society considers that the refurbishment of the existing dormer incorporating a balcony above the extension, would not only be out of scale, but may be also be visible from more distant views and from local footpaths within Cuifail.
SDNP/24/00854/HOUS: 2 Foundry Cottages: Installation of new full width dormer to frontElevation.
The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal, as a full width dormer would adversely change the appearance of this terrace of three houses when viewed from the public realm. Furthermore, a full width dormer would also introduce additional windows within the roofscape, which would make it very ‘busy’ in appearance, and as such unacceptable.
SDNP/23/04755/HOUS & 04756/LIS: 107 High Street: Externalworks: replace cast iron gutters like for like: replace rear timber casement window: repairs to two chimneys and rear window: replace rear outfall pipes: repaint front door: addition of swift box to front façade. Internal Works: new shower room, new kitchen units, rewiring and new power sockets, secondary glazing, timber supports in basement and around hall door, new water heater and pipework, replacement plasterwork in rear hall, replacement carpet, sanding and staining of wooden floorboards, replacement hearth tiles in front bedroom, replacement insulation in first floor storage room.
Whilst supporting in principle the range of proposed works to this important Listed Building, the Friends of Lewes object to the installation of a swift box on the front façade at such a prominent location in the High Street. The Society is aware that the swift box has already been installed, and therefore strongly recommends that the swift box be re-located on the rear or side elevation.
SDNP/24/00994/FUL: Lewes Working Mens Club Malling Street: Change of use from social club to 3no. residential units, including alterations to rear projection, hip to gable extension to the rear, addition of dormers, and associated works.
The Friends of Lewes object to this proposal as an inappropriate use of the existing building and recommends that it should be retained for community use. Furthermore, not only is the building located in an area that is likely to flood, but the Society also considers that the proposed alterations would result in an overdevelopment of the site with inadequate amenities for three dwellings.
SDNP/24/01062/ADV: 59 High Street:Replacement of 1 no Projecting signage with new 500mm, painting existing projecting sign brackets blue. Replacement of 1no fascia and 1no logo with 1no new blue fascia & 1no New 290mm logo. Replacement of 1no ATM surround and decals with new, replacement of signage with new, removal of one way arrow from wall and instead installed on pavement.
The Friends of Lewes object to the proposed removal of the one way arrow from the wall as the Society seeks to limit the number of signs cluttering the pavement and to encourage the use of signs on buildings. Furthermore, the Society recommends that the East Sussex County Council, as the local Highway Authority, should be consulted on the proposed removal of the existing one way arrow.
SDNP/24/01147/HOUS: 15 Delaware Road:Two storey side extension, single storey rear extension and addition of 1no rooflight at rear elevation.
The Friends of Lewes object to these proposed extensions as they would have an adverse visual impact on the adjacent cul-de-sac. In particular, the Society considers that if constructed the two storey flank windowless side wall would be too close to the site boundary, leaving little scope for any landscaping to be provided to mitigate its impact. In addition, the Society is concerned about how the additional rainwater run-off is to be collected.
SDNP/24/00150/FUL: Garages in Westgate Street: Change of Use from 3no garages to a workshopClassroom.
The Friends of Lewes object to the proposed change of appearance of three garages at the end of a row of nine garages, and in particular the suggested use of ‘flint panels’. However, the Society does not object to the proposed change of use and would strongly recommend that the façade should be fully glazed and each of the bays fitted with roller shutter doors to match the remaining garages.
The Committee examined the following applications and had no observations to make:
SDNSDNP/24/01181/HOUS: 21 South Street.
Single storey rear extension and replacement timber window to side elevation.
SDNP/24/01135/HOUS: 2B King Henry’s Road.
Partial conversion of integral garage; addition of 1no rooflight to ground floor roof at front elevation, sliding doors to rear and glass door to side elevation, alterations to fenestration at all elevations and recladding of front and rear elevation at first floor.
SDNP/24/01128/NMA: 1 Windover Crescent.
Non-Material Amendment to Planning Approval SDNP/23/00027/FUL to include reduction in size of 3no roof skylights, remove provision of balcony to rear elevation, replacement with single landscape window, splitting two storey feature window and relocating kitchen window.
SDNP/24/01014/FUL & 01015/LIS: 141 High Street
Erection of single storey rear extension.
SDNP/24/00999/LDP: 25 South Way.
Erection of single storey side extension to include level access shower.
SDNP/24/00473/HOUS: 15 Garden Street.
Repainting of property to rear elevation, alterations to fenestration on all elevations, replacement fencing to side/rear and rendering of brickwork, replacement of iron front gate, installation of satellite dish to chimney and installation of external lantern-style light.
SDNP/24/00423/FUL: 26 Fitzjohns Road.
Change of use from dwelling house (C3) to residential children’s home (C2), with no material change to building other than the installation of a fire alarm system.
SDNP/24/00074/HOUS & 00075/LIS: 7 Castle Banks.
Removal of lean-to and associated landscaping works.
Representations made on planning applications following the meeting of the Planning Committee held on6 March 2024
Week 24 January to 04 March 2024
SDNP/23/05408/HOUS &05409/LIS: 26 Station Street: Erection of new rear sloped roof over existing structure, replacement of ground floor front windows, rear roof lights and internal alterations.
The Friends of Lewes fully support the Conservation Officer’s comments regarding the necessary works that need to be addressed. However, the Society is concerned about the proposed replacement windows on the ground floor street façade, which only have 6 panes per casement window, as opposed to 9 panes per casement window on the existing first floor windows.
SDNP/24/00453/HOUS: 4 Clare Road. Replacement of existing conservatory with single storey rear extension, hip to gable roof extension and extension of rear dormer, addition of 2no. rooflights to existing roof, and new roof finish to existing outbuilding.
The Friends of Lewes object to this application as the design of the proposed full width box rear dormer does not comply with the agreed design guidance for dormers on existing roofs. The Society also objects to the removal of the existing hip roof and the construction of a gable as it would have an adverse visual impact on the symmetry of this semi-detached house. In addition, the Society considers that the use of GRP as a roof covering on the existing outbuilding is unacceptable at this location.
SDNP/24/00525/CND: Ousedale House, Offham Road, Offham: Removal of Condition 4 (Temporary period) related to Planning Approval SDNP/22/03797/HOUS to allow the retention of the annexe permanently.
The Friends of Lewes object to this application to remove the existing condition relating to the existing planning approval, and would strongly recommend that a new Planning Application be submitted, seeking permanent approval for the retention of this structure.
SDNP/23/04923/FULL: 1 Hill Road: Erection of 3x bedroom dwelling, Erection of detached garage for existing dwelling.
The Friends of Lewes would like to refresh its objection to this proposal submitted on the 11th December 2023, having had another opportunity to examine the submitted information on the planning portal. The Society maintains its objection, as it considers the proposal would result in the overdevelopment of this small site and its impact on two mature trees, not within the curtilage of the application site, is likely to be unacceptable. The Society also considers the design of the proposed dwelling to be rather contrived in order to fit the limited space available.
SDNP/24/00630/HOUS: 16 Church Lane, South Malling: Installation of front porch, replacement of existing rear dormer, addition of 1no.dormer to front, and alterations to side and rear fenestration.
The Friends of Lewes object to the proposed front porch on the south elevation as the Society considers its design to be too dominant a feature at this location. The Society also notes that the proposed porch has not been included in either the east or west elevations submitted. As an alternative, the Society would like to suggest that the proposed porch be reduced in size and resubmitted.
SDNP/24/00697/HOUS: 1 Priory Row, Priory Street: Replacement of timber front composite door.
The Friends of Lewes would like to object to the proposed installation of a composite door with a UPVC door frame within the Lewes Conservation Area, and would recommend that wood should be used.
SDNP/24/00715/FUL: 5 North Street: Change of use from part class E and part class C3, to Class C3 only, including minor amendments (replacement doors and installation of rooflights and windows) in order to provide a 3 bedroom family home
The Friends of Lewes object to the proposed change of use and conversion of this property to a 3 bedroom family home. The Society would strongly recommend the commercial ground floor frontage should be retained at this important location within the local street frontages with a busy footfall. The Society considers that this corner of West Street and North Street to be a significant part of the local public realm within the Lewes Town Centre, and the potential loss of 5 North Street for only private use would be regretted.
SDNP/24/00744/HOUS: 21D South Way: Construction of side dormer. The Friends of Lewes object to the current unavailability of the ‘combined plans’ on the planning portal, and as a result the Society is unable to comment in detail. However, the Society notes that on the ‘superseded – combined plans’ drawings that the East and West elevations are incorrectly annotated.
The Committee examined the following applications and had no observations to make:
SDNP/23/04091/HOUS: 19 Hereward Way.
Erection of rear dormer with Juliet balcony, Insertion of 2x front rooflights, and erection of rear outbuilding.
SDNP/23/04927/HOUS & 04928/LIS: The Pigeon House, Potters Lane.
Retrospective application for installation of extractor fan in bathroom, repair of panel by replacement of missing lathes, coating with daub, finishing with lime plaster and painting to match existing panels, and addition of vent to exterior.
SDNP/23/05434/HOUS: 24 Church Lane, South Malling.
Erection of rear extension/conservatory, erection of side/rear extension, Erection of side/front extension, Replacement of existing rear window with bay window, New rear patio and associated landscaping.
SDNP/24/00043/HOUS: West Corner House, 30 The Avenue.
Replacement of 7no casement windows.
SDNP/23/05434/HOUS: 24 Church Lane, South Malling
Proposal for: New entrance lobby, (Front), New Conservatory (Rear), New Ensuite (Rear/Side), New Bay Window (Rear).
SDNP/SDNP/24/00237/HOUS & 00238/LIS: 59 Southover High Street
Like for like remedial works to chimney stack.
SDNP/200298/HOUS: 3 De Montfort Terrace, De Montford Road.
Erection of single storey rear side infill extension.
SDNP/24/00415/CND: Ord, Kingston Road.
Variation of Condition 2 (plans) related to Planning Approval SDNP/23/01634/HOUS to include changing garage roof from flat to pitched.
SDNP/24/00428/HOUS: 1 The Riverhouses, South Street.
Installation of external first floor door and fire escape stairs to North-West elevation, conversion of lower ground floor store into an entrance lobby for installation of pit-less lift with internal access to all floors, and extension of central lightwell on roof.
SDNP/24/00489/LIS: 144 High Street.
Internal alterations to convert first floor bathroom into staff office.
SDNP/24/00166/FUL & 00167/LIS: 77 High Street
Replacement of upper ground floor window with hardwood timber sash window, replacement of asphalt roof, blocking of redundant fire escape doorway, new fascia sign above front window and interior works including repairs and blocking up of empty stairwell and renovation of toilets.
SDNP/24/00498/HOUS: 112 High Street
Application to render to exterior wall of property to prevent water ingress.
SDNP/24/00638/FUL: 26 Malling Street.
Windows and door replacement works, painting existing windows (Amendment to application ref SDNP/23/01286/FUL).
SDNP/24/00646/HOUS: Rotten Row House, Rotten Row.
Replacement of single glazed timber framed windows and doors with double glazed timber framed windows and doors
SDNP/24/00829/HOUS: 1 The Moorings.
Enlargement of kitchen door opening to rear elevation.
Friends of Lewes 